Bedford County Breaks Ground on New 911 Communications Center
- Peterson Media Group
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
SHELBYVILLE, TN – A new era for emergency response in Bedford County is on the horizon after a groundbreaking ceremony was held Friday morning for the new Bedford County 911 Communications Center. The dedicated facility, located on Industrial Parkway in Shelbyville, is set to become the hub for the county’s emergency dispatch services.
The project is a partnership between Bedford County Government and the Bedford County Emergency Communications District (E-911), an independent agency. While the E-911 district is responsible for the technology and answering calls, the county government contributes funds for salaries.
Funding for the new building will be managed through a unique arrangement. The county will borrow construction funds via a government bond, but E-911 will be responsible for making the payments, ensuring the project will not impact the county's normal operating budget. The bond documents were officially signed at the courthouse earlier this week.
The ceremony brought together key officials and supporters of the project. Speakers included E-911 director Phillip Noel, along with board chair Curt Cobb, vice chair Chris White, and board member Mark Thomas. County Mayor Chad Graham and State Rep./Speaker Pro Tem Pat Marsh were lauded for their crucial support in making the new center a reality.
In recognition of the milestone, Dana Rodriguez of the Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce presented E-911 Director Noel with a commemorative plaque. In turn, E-911 presented challenge coins to its employees and other key supporters as a token of appreciation.
The new center is one of several recent improvements to local emergency services. Within a matter of weeks, the county’s emergency services are scheduled to upgrade to a new radio system, which will further enhance local emergency communications.